Thursday, May 2, 2013

National Day of Prayer

“PRAY FOR AMERICA”

AMERICANS TO UNITE AND PRAY ON THURSDAY, MAY 2ND, FOR THE 62ND ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (April 8, 2013) – As our nation struggles with continued economic insecurity, vast healthcare reform, and countless challenges to our constitutional rights, citizens of the United States are preparing to exercise their freedom to gather, worship, and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 2nd in observance of the 62nd annual National Day of Prayer. Organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where intercession will be made for America and its leadership.

This year’s theme, “Pray for America”, is based on Matthew 12:21 which reminds us that “In His name the nations will put their hope.” National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Family Talk founder Dr. James Dobson, has said that, “The American people continue to be plagued with challenges that defy simple answers, and our hope lies in humbly seeking the Almighty’s guidance, protection, and blessing – not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year.”

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Litany.

O GOD the Father, Creator of heaven and earth;
-Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world;
-Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful;
-Have mercy upon us.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God;
-Have mercy upon us.

REMEMBER not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; neither take thou vengeance of our sins: Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.
-Spare us, good Lord.

From all evil and mischief; from sin; from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation,
-Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness,
-Good Lord, deliver us.
From all inordinate and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil,
-Good Lord, deliver us.
From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death,
-Good Lord, deliver us.
From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and Commandment,
-Good Lord, deliver us.
By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation,
-Good Lord, deliver us.

By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension, and by the Coming of the Holy Ghost,
-Good Lord, deliver us.
In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment,
-Good Lord, deliver us.

WE sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universal in the right way;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee so to rule the heart of thy servant, The President of the United States, that he may above all things seek thy honour and glory;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bless and preserve all Christian Rulers and Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth, and show it accordingly;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to send forth labourers into thy harvest;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and fear thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace to hear meekly thy Word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; and to comfort and help the weak-hearted; and to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort, all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to preserve all who travel by land, by water, or by air, all women in child-birth, all sick persons, and young children; and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all who are desolate and oppressed;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so that in due time we may enjoy them;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word;
-We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
-Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
-Grant us thy peace.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world;
-Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us.
-O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
-Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
-Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
-Lord, have mercy upon us.

Defecit anime mea. Psalm cxix: 81-128.

MY soul hath longed for thy salvation, * and I have a good hope because of thy word.
Mine eyes long sore for thy word; * saying, O when wilt thou comfort me?
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; * yet do I not forget thy statutes.
How many are the days of thy servant? * when wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me?
The proud have digged pits for me, * which are not after thy law.
All thy commandments are true: * they persecute me falsely; O be thou my help.
They had almost made an end of me upon earth; * but I forsook not thy commandments.
O quicken me after thy loving-kindness; * and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth.
O LORD, thy word * endureth for ever in heaven.
Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another; * thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth.
They continue this day according to thine ordinance; * for all things serve thee.
If my delight had not been in thy law, * I should have perished in my trouble.
I will never forget thy commandments; * for with them thou hast quickened me.
I am thine: O save me, * for I have sought thy commandments.
The ungodly laid wait for me, to destroy me; * but I will consider thy testimonies.
I see that all things come to an end; * but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
LORD, what love have I unto thy law! * all the day long is my study in it.
Thou, through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies; * for they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than my teachers; * for thy testimonies are my study.
I am wiser than the aged; * because I keep thy commandments.
I have refrained my feet from every evil way, * that I may keep thy word.
I have not shrunk from thy judgments; * for thou teachest me.
O how sweet are thy words unto my throat; * yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth!
Through thy commandments I get understanding: * therefore I hate all evil ways.
Thy word is a lantern unto my feet, * and a light unto my paths.
I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed, * to keep thy righteous judgments.
I am troubled above measure: * quicken me, O LORD, according to thy word.
Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O LORD; * and teach me thy judgments.
My soul is alway in my hand; * yet do I not forget thy law.
The ungodly have laid a snare for me; * but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.
Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever; * and why? they are the very joy of my heart.
I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway, * even unto the end.
I hate them that imagine evil things; * but thy law do I love.
Thou art my defence and shield; * and my trust is in thy word.
Away from me, ye wicked; * I will keep the commandments of my God.
O stablish me according to thy word, that I may live; * and let me not be disappointed of my hope.
Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe; * yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.
Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes; * for they imagine but deceit.
Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross; * therefore I love thy testimonies.
My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; * and I am afraid of thy judgments.
I deal with the thing that is lawful and right; * O give me not over unto mine oppressors.
Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good, * that the proud do me no wrong.
Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health, * and for the word of thy righteousness.
O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy, * and teach me thy statutes.
I am thy servant; O grant me understanding, * that I may know thy testimonies.
It is time for thee, LORD, to lay to thine hand; * for they have destroyed thy law.
For I love thy commandments * above gold and precious stones.
Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments; * and all false ways I utterly abhor.

For Our Country.

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Schools, Colleges, and Universities.

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee, with thy gracious favour to behold our universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge may be increased among us, and all good learning flourish and abound. Bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For All In the Service of Our Country.

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for Congress.To be used during their Session.

MOST gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for the people of these United States in general, so especially for their Senate and Representatives in Congress assembled; that thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of thy people; that all things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessaries, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen

For a State Legislature.

O GOD, the fountain of wisdom, whose statutes are good and gracious and whose law is truth; We beseech thee so to guide and bless the Legislature of this State, that it may ordain for our governance only such things as please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of the people; through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

For Courts of Justice.

ALMIGHTY God, who sittest in the throne judging right; We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

For the President of The United States, and All In Civil Authority.

Almighty God, whose kingdom is everlasting and power infinite; Have mercy upon this whole land; and so rule the hearts of thy servants The President of the United States, The Governor of this State, and all others in authority, that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek thy honour and glory; and that we and all the People, duly considering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honour them, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever, one God, world without end. Ame

For the Church.

O GRACIOUS Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldest be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

For the Unity of God's People.

O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Justice and Freedom.

O God, the King of righteousness, lead us, we pray thee, in ways of justice and peace; inspire us to break down all tyranny and oppression, to gain for every man his due reward, and from every man his due service; that each may live for all and all may care for each, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Bidding Prayer.

GOOD Christian People, I bid your prayers for Christ's holy Catholic Church, the blessed company of all faithful people; that it may please God to confirm and strengthen it in purity of faith, in holiness of life, and in perfectness of love, and to restore to it the witness of visible unity; and more especially for that branch of the same planted by God in this land, whereof we are members; that in all things it may work according to God's will, serve him faithfully, and worship him acceptably.

Ye shall pray for the President of these United States, and for the Governor of this State, and for all that are in authority; that all, and every one of them, may serve truly in their several callings to the glory of God, and the edifying and well-governing of the people, remembering the account they shall be called upon to give at the last great day.

Ye shall also pray for the ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments; for Bishops [and herein more especially for the Bishop of this Diocese], that they may minister faithfully and wisely the discipline of Christ; likewise for all Priests and Deacons [and herein more especially for the Clergy here residing], that they may shine as lights in the world, and in all things may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.

And ye shall pray for a due supply of persons fitted to serve God in the Ministry and in the State; and to that end, as well as for the good education of all the youth of this land, ye shall pray for all schools, colleges, and seminaries of sound and godly learning, and for all whose hands are open for their maintenance; that whatsoever tends to the advancement of true religion and useful learning may for ever flourish and abound.

Ye shall pray for all the people of these United States, that they may live in the true faith and fear of God, and in brotherly charity one towards another.

Ye shall pray also for all who travel by land, sea, or air; for all prisoners and captives; for all who are in sickness or in sorrow; for all who have fallen into grievous sin; for all who, through temptation, ignorance, helplessness, grief, trouble, dread, or the near approach of death, especially need our prayers.

Ye shall also praise God for rain and sunshine; for the fruits of the earth; for the products of all honest industry; and for all his good gifts, temporal and spiritual, to us and to all men.

Finally, ye shall yield unto God most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all his saints, who have been the choice vessels of his grace and the lights of the world in their several generations; and pray unto God, that we may have grace to direct our lives after their good examples; that, this life ended, we may be made partakers with them of the glorious resurrection, and the life everlasting.

And now, brethren, summing up all our petitions, and all our thanksgivings, in the words which Christ hath taught us, we make bold to say,

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.